Spicy And Tasty Capers And Their Effect On Your Health

Health Benefits Of Capers Everyone Needs To Be Aware Of

To tell you the truth, very often capers can be found in dishes that have Italian origin. It may occur to you that there is nothing strange about that since every cuisine has its particular spices. However, apart from being a tasty seasoning or garnishing, capers also have powerful health benefits that not everyone knows about. That is why we decide to dedicate this article to gentle but delicious little caper berries.

What Are Capers?

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To begin with, it needs to be pointed out what are capers. The fact is that they are unripe flower buds of a plant called Capparis spinosa. They go under a different name – Flinders rose – too. Mostly, they grow in the Mediterranean and some parts of Asia and South Africa. This means that the cuisine of these regions is rich in capers.

After capers are picked up, they are dried in the sun and used in pickles. Usually they are small in size. However there are cases when they reach the size of a small green olive. The truth is that the larger is the bud, the stronger is the flavor, while smaller ones have a stronger aroma.

As for capers nutritional value, it needs to be mentioned that they are extremely low in calories. That is why, if you are trying to limit your calorie intake, adding capers to your menu would be a wise decision. Apart from the taste, these little berries contain tremendous health benefits and we are going to talk them over as we proceed with this article.

Health Benefits Of Capers

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To tell you the truth it is hard to imagine that such small buds can contain so many beneficial elements, however, that is true.

One of the main capers health benefits is the fact that they are rich in rutin and quercetin. These two elements are powerful sources of antioxidants. In case you are not sure what antioxidants do – they prevent free radicals, and free radicals are the components that can cause cancer and some other skin related diseases.

• Rutin improves blood circulation so that it is a perfect treatment for strained blood vessels.
• Quercetin in its turn has analgesic, anti- inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-carcinogenic properties.

Capers are rich in iron, calcium, copper and high levels of sodium.

• Calcium is good for strong bones, and teeth.
• Copper combined with proteins produces enzymes that can help some body functions.
• Iron helps your muscles to store and use oxygen

It needs to be mentioned that capers are full in vitamins too. They include vitamin A, vitamin K, niacin, and riboflavin.

• Vitamin A is good for your eyesight. Besides, it can also reduce the of some cancers. It helps your body to fight with infections.
• Vitamin K is vital for your bone health. It lowers the risk of blood clotting.
• Niacin can protect you against cardiovascular diseases.
• Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, helps your body convert food into energy.

Capers are sources of fiber too.

Bad Enzymes

In case you consume red meat on a daily basis then you should add capers to your menu too. The fact is that they can destroy some byproducts found in meat and foods rich in fat.

Medicinal Uses Of Capers

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In case you think, that those described above were all capers benefits – you are wrong. We are just getting started here! The thing is that from a medical point of view capers are also useful.

People who suffered from rheumatism in ancient Greece consumed caper to effectively deal with it.

Flatulence

Apart from the fact that capers improve the appetite they also relieve stomach ache and flatulence.

Those of you who have diabetes need to add some capers to your diet too. The thing is that capers can help you keep your disease in check. The chemicals in capers keep blood sugar in check.

If you want to prevent chest congestion and reduces phlegm, then capers are to be introduced into your menu too.

Skin Benefits Of Capers

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There is not a single human being who wouldn’t like to have flawless skin, especially when we think about ladies. However, the reality is such that you have to fight off constant skin issues no matter the amount of expensive and advertised lotions you possess. That is why if you wish to learn whether it is possible to deal with various skin conditions in a natural way – you have come to the right place.

Capers are good for dry skin. You can use them on the skin to keep it properly moisturized.

Skin irritation

Such skin conditions as redness, irritation, and pimples are surely the worst. That is why you should use capers to deal with them effectively. Besides, capers possess rejuvenating abilities as well.

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Hair Benefits Of Capers

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How many of you wish they had a perfect mane, like the one they show in the shampoo ads? There is a perfect and affordable cure! The truth is that capers are also used in hair care products. They are rich in iron and vitamin B which are the elements that affect your hair growth positively. Besides, vitamin B increases the blood circulation which means that your hair is not only growing faster but also healthy looking.

Side Effects Of Capers

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No matter how good something can be – there is always a dark side to anything. Capers are surely not the exception; that is why we are going to list all of the sides effects for you to be aware. • Thirst. If you consume a lot of cappers you will be extremely thirsty, keep that in mind. • Due to the high amount of sodium capers affect water retention. Water retention can result in bloating. • Those of you with high blood pressure should better keep away from capers. The thing is that increased sodium intake increases blood pressure. • Sodium has a nasty ability to decrease your bone density; that is why you should consume capers in a moderate amount. • Pregnant women and people who are about the be operated should keep away from caper consumption too.

Cooking And Storage Tips

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Now when we know all the good and bad things about capers, it is time to learn how to consume them. To begin with, you can add them to different sauces to intensify the flavor. Besides, you can use capers as salt substitution no matter the dish you are cooking.

As for the storage advice – you should keep them in the fridge, and ensure that they stay dipped in brine so that they do not get dry. That is about it!

Capers – amazing seasoning as well as garnishing. However, there is so much more to this spicy berry than just that. If you wish to learn everything about its effect on your health you should better read the article! Also, we prepared a list of benefits of Vervain plant, don't miss!

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FAQ: Capers